Applicator for applying product to keratinous fibres with complex core

ABSTRACT

An applicator device for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratinous fibres, includes a core or technically equivalent elongate element extending along a longitudinal axis XX, a plurality of elongate spikes, a first end of which is embedded in the core or in the technically equivalent element and a second end of which is free, the spikes and the core or the technically equivalent element being integral, i.e. formed in one piece. The core and/or the technically equivalent element has at least one recess or negative relief opening on the outer surface of the core or the technically equivalent element at an opening, the at least one recess being obtained by undercutting.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of devices for applying fluid or pasty cosmetic product of the mascara type. The invention relates more specifically to the device or means for applying the cosmetic product. In particular, the applicators envisaged by the invention make it possible to apply a cosmetic, make-up or care product to body hair, eyelashes or eyebrows.

PRIOR ART

A large number of mascara applicators are already known in the prior art. The application device per se may, for example, be an elongate brush provided with a central core from which a set of bristles or spikes protrude. The bristles are formed using a long-standing technique: a twisted metal wire retains bristles that protrude transversely. One application example is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,361. Another example is shown in US application US 2004/0112400; in this example, the bristles protruding from the twisted metal wire themselves have specific features, such as holes, roughnesses or reliefs, and additive reservoirs.

There is a certain advantage in the construction of the applicator according to this prior art (a twisted metal wire retains bristles that protrude transversely). Indeed, the core of such applicators is generally produced by means of two metal wires of small diameters twisted one on the other, which makes it possible to trap the plastic fibers. This metallic braid thus has a very small cross section, and the diameter of this cross section is more or less the thickness of the plastic fiber trapped in the braid, which is equal to twice the diameter of the twisted wire. Patent applications U.S. Pat. No. D707,973S1 and FR2991560A1 show this type of applicator, in which it can clearly be seen that there is a significant proportion between the cross section of the twisted metal core and the outside diameter (extended working surface, borne by the end of the spikes). The braided metallic core makes it possible to confer satisfactory rigidity on the applicator in order to limit the effect of flexing when it is used for depositing product and when the user plunges it into the bottle via the wiping system or wiper. This small cross section makes it possible to deploy the fibers serving as spikes over a significant radius. During passage through the wiping system, a large quantity of product thus remains trapped on the core and therefore stored between the fibers (that which is called the load capacity of the applicator). Depending on the areas to be reached for making-up or, for example, depending on the size of the user's eyelashes, the outside diameter of the applicator has to be as small as possible while still retaining its load capacity. This makes it even more advantageous to use a small-cross-section metallic core to make it possible to retain a suitable spike length and the ability efficiently to deposit and to comb the make-up or care product onto the keratinous fibers.

It is recalled, here, that the wiper is a small component arranged on the mouth (or neck) of the make-up or care product container and is suitable for removing surplus cosmetic product picked up by the applicator from the container.

A further example of this type of applicator is disclosed in document EP 1 070 462: the fibers of this applicator have specific profiles, with transverse sections in the form of an H, an L or an O, with a view to obtaining new properties.

A further type of applicator comprises a core made from plastics, from which are deployed a set of spikes, also made from plastics. A great many embodiments are known that envisage varied technical effects. However, a major drawback remains, which is linked to these embodiments: The plastics core does not make it possible to offer the same mechanical features, for the same size, as a braided metallic core. This will be called the “ratio” (cross-sectional surface area/stiffness, mechanical behavior of the core).

A simple way in which to solve this problem consists in increasing the hardness and thus the stiffness of the plastics with a view to reducing the cross section of the core; but this has the result that the stiffness of the spikes (generally made from the same material as the core) is increased, which renders the applicator incompatible with its principal function, namely making it possible to comb the keratinous fibers while retaining as high a level of comfort as possible for the user (“sharp” spikes). Only applicators of the “comb” type can be molded in a material of significant stiffness and hardness.

A further embodiment, described in document EP2486822, makes it possible to inpart palliate the problem of the cross section/stiffness ratio and the problem of comfort during use of the spikes. This invention makes provision for an applicator produced from two plastics of different nature and hardness in order, on the one hand, to boost the stiffness of the core and, on the other, to offer a flexible, less stiff material for the flexing of the spikes and comfort during use.

A further device, shown in application WO2010129818A2, provides details of a construction that uses both a metallic core and a plastics core.

Development and improvement thus appear to be necessary in the case of applicators molded from plastics, particularly in terms of the core, with a view to making it possible, while still having a larger cross section than a braided metallic core, for the core to pick up a maximum of formula at the base of the spikes, and to do so irrespective of the length of the spikes.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention envisages remedying the drawbacks of the prior art and, notably, proposing an application device that is suitable for picking up a maximum volume of cosmetic product when it is in contact therewith, while retaining this product even after one or more passage(s) through the wiper.

The invention envisages a device for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratinous fibers, comprising:

-   -   a core or a technically equivalent elongate element extending         along a longitudinal axis XX,     -   a plurality of elongate spikes, a first end of which is embedded         on the core or on the technically equivalent element and a         second end of which is free, the spikes, the core or the         technically equivalent element being integral, i.e. formed in         one piece.

To this end, according to a first aspect of the invention, the feature is proposed whereby the core and/or the technically equivalent element has at least one recess or negative relief opening on the exterior surface of the core or of the technically equivalent element at an opening, said at least one recess being obtained by undercutting.

Thus, all or some of the core has “internal” reservoirs that make it possible to pick up the care or make-up formula in the zone where the eyelashes, for example, are to be loaded in contact with the liquid or pasty product.

“Undercutting” is understood to mean that said at least one recess has a form such that the surface thereof that opens on the exterior surface of the core is smaller than a parallel surface inside the recess. The conventional meaning of “undercutting” should be taken into account. Advantageously, the form of said at least one recess is such that it intrinsically constitutes a kind of trap or retainer for product. Thus, said core has reservoirs constituted by depressions housed within. The principal feature of these hollow housings is that, in sectional view (cross-section plane), they are undercut relative to the exterior surface of the applicator. The opening surface placed on the exterior envelope of the core is smaller than a surface at the bottom of the recess. This makes it possible to increase the available volume relative to the available opening. Furthermore, these features of the invention allow the core to retain satisfactory stiffness while still being spongy and capable of picking up a maximum of product.

Advantageously, at least one part of the exterior surface of said core is concave. More precisely, the core may comprise a plurality of contiguous exterior faces and one at least of said contiguous faces comprises a surface that is concave relative to the exterior of the core.

According to another feature, said opening on the exterior surface of the core or of the technically equivalent element has an elongate form along the longitudinal axis XX.

Without departing from the scope of the invention, said opening on the exterior surface of the core or of the technically equivalent element has a helical form about the axis XX.

Furthermore, the core may have a plurality of recesses radially spaced over a transverse section.

Preferably, the core has between two and 64 recesses radially spaced over a transverse section, preferably between two and 36.

Moreover, the core or the technically equivalent element has between two and 24 elongate openings, in succession along the axis XX, which are aligned.

Advantageously, the concave face(s) on the core or the technically equivalent element is (are) arranged between said lines formed by said openings.

The applicator may be produced from one or more materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following description, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate:

FIG. 1, a perspective of a core of an applicator according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2, a transverse section of the core according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3, a detailed transverse section of the core according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 4, another embodiment of a core according to the invention;

FIG. 5, a perspective of an applicator device according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5A, a transverse section of the device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6, a perspective of an applicator device according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6A, a side view of the device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7, a perspective of an applicator device according to yet another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7A, a side view of the device of FIG. 7.

For greater clarity, identical or similar elements are referenced by identical reference signs throughout the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows an elongate central part or core 1 of an application device according to the invention. The core is, here, of cylindrical form and longitudinal axis XX. The perspective of FIG. 1 shows a plurality of openings 3 on the exterior surface of the core 1. According to this embodiment, the openings are elongate along the axis XX; they form kinds of elongate furrows along the length of the applicator.

FIG. 2 shows in detail the preferred form of the recesses 4 partially delimited by the openings 3 at the surface of the core 1. Seen here are six angularly distributed recesses 4. FIG. 3 gives a better view of the undercutting “d” formed in the vicinity of and from the opening 3. This specific form makes it possible properly to pick up and to retain the fluid or pasty product that it is desired to apply to the keratinous fibers. In the knowledge, furthermore, that the applicator is integral, undercutting is not easy to perform. Customarily, positive or even straight undercutting is performed.

The profiled recesses 4 according to the invention allow the core to retain both the stiffness and the flexing required, which may be compared to those of applicators provided with twisted metallic wires that hold bristles.

FIG. 4 corresponds to an embodiment in which the recesses 4 are elongate along the axis XX, but are twisted about this axis.

FIGS. 5 and 5A make it possible to describe an applicator according to another embodiment of the invention. These figures show the recesses 4 distributed in the following manner: three recesses are juxtaposed and aligned along the length of the applicator in order to form a line or row; FIG. 5A shows that the core 1 comprises three rows formed in this way, angularly distributed at 120° relative to one another. Naturally, spikes 2 may advantageously be distributed about the recesses 4. They have a first end embedded on the core 1 and a second end that is free. Their length is left to the choice of the designer; they may be straight or curved; their general direction may be radial, as shown in FIG. 5A.

FIGS. 6 and 6A illustrate yet another embodiment of the invention, whereby the recesses 4 are globally elongate along the axis XX. More precisely, they extend in the form of a helix, as do the openings 3. The placing of the spikes 2 on the core 1 follows the form of the openings 3 and is thus helical, as shown more precisely in FIG. 6A. A person skilled in the art chooses this embodiment, for example, when the nature of the composition to be applied (in terms, notably, of viscosity, the presence of microfibers or other elements) requires a slight rotation of the applicator along its longitudinal axis XX at the time of application.

FIGS. 7 and 7A illustrate another embodiment of the invention, which differs from that illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 6A essentially in terms of the exterior form of the core 1. The form of the core 1 corresponds to the layout in FIG. 4: elongate and twisted. There are four recesses 4 that extend along the length of the core 1. The transverse section of the core 1 is practically square, as shown in FIG. 7A, with, however, in this case, four slightly concave sides. The concave faces thus created at the surface of the core will increase the load capacity of composition to be applied; in other words, and advantageously, the concave portions make it possible to retain the load during passage of the applicator through the wiper, which generally has a diameter close to that of the core 1. The feature relating to the concave exterior faces creates a very advantageous synergy with the intrinsic characteristic form of the recesses 4 obtained by undercutting.

Preferably, the spikes 2 are embedded on the four principal faces of the core 1 and are distributed thereon uniformly.

Naturally, the number of recesses 4 is not fixed in advance; a person skilled in the art makes his choice within the context of the invention, according to the features defined above. The general form of the core 1 may be frustoconical, of circular, oval or other transverse section. A person skilled in the art makes his choice as a function of the physical/mechanical constraints and requirements. The interior form of the recesses may vary, on the basis of the point when it may be produced by undercutting the exterior surface of the core.

It is, furthermore, possible, within the context of the invention, to provide recesses in an element that is technically equivalent to the core, such as a wand extending longitudinally between, for example, two points where it is embedded on the core.

Other above-mentioned technical features assisting in defining and comprehending form part of the invention. 

1.-10. (canceled)
 11. An applicator device for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratinous fibers, comprising: an elongate element extending along a longitudinal axis XX; a plurality of elongate spikes having a first end embedded on the elongate element and a second end that is free, wherein the elongate element and the plurality of elongate spikes are integral; at least one opening on an exterior surface of the elongate element; and at least one recess or negative relief opening on the exterior surface at the at least one opening wherein the at least one recess or negative relief opening has an undercut profile.
 12. The applicator device according to claim 11 wherein at least one part of the exterior surface of the elongate element is concave.
 13. The applicator device according to claim 12, wherein the elongate element comprises a plurality of contiguous exterior faces and at least of one the contiguous exterior faces includes a surface that is concave relative to the exterior of the elongate element.
 14. The applicator device according to claim 11, wherein the at least one opening has an elongate form along the longitudinal axis XX.
 15. The applicator device according to claim 11, wherein the at least one opening has a helical form about the longitudinal axis XX.
 16. The applicator device according to claim 11, wherein the elongate element comprises a plurality of recesses or negative relief openings radially spaced over a transverse section.
 17. The applicator device according to claim 11 wherein the elongate element has between 2 and 64 recesses or negative relief openings radially spaced over a transverse section.
 18. The applicator device according to claim 11 wherein the elongate element has between 2 and 24 openings, in succession along the longitudinal axis XX, which are aligned.
 19. The applicator device according to claim 19 further comprising a concave face on the elongate element arranged between lines formed by the openings. 